Did critics love it? Reviews are now coming in for the Broadway premiere of Robert Askins' irreverent and outlandish comedy Hand to God, which opens tonight at the Booth Theatre.

Steven Boyer in Hand to GodJoan Marcus

Producer Kevin McCollum's three years of development on this play include its previous acclaimed productions at the Ensemble Studio Theatre (EST) in 2011 and its more recent Off-Broadway debut at MCC Theater in 2014.

Boyer received an Obie Award, the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Play, the Actors' Equity Association Clarence Derwent Award for Most Promising Newcomer and a citation from the Drama League for Distinguished Performance, among other awards.

Hand to God, according to producer McCollum, "centers on shy, inquisitive student Jason, who finds an outlet for his burgeoning creativity at the Christian Puppet Ministry in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Jason's complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door and — most especially — his mother are thrown into further upheaval when Jason’s hand puppet Tyrone — once soft-spoken — takes on a shocking and dangerously irreverent personality all its own. As Tyrone’s influence over Jason steadily grows, Hand to God explores the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality, and the ties that bind us."

The design team for Hand to God includes scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costumes by Sydney Maresca, lighting by Jason Lyons, sound by Jill BC Du Boff, puppet design by Marte Johanne Ekhougen and fight direction by Robert Westley. Casting is by Telsey + Company.

The People (and Puppet) of Broadway's Hand to God Let Loose at Playwright-Bartender Robert Askins' Brooklyn Watering Hole

The People (and Puppet) of Broadway's Hand to God Let Loose at Playwright-Bartender Robert Askins' Brooklyn Watering Hole

Hand to God, starring Steven Boyer in his acclaimed performance as a boy and his foul-mouthed hand puppet, will begin previews March 14. The cast and press met for drinks Feb. 26 at Lobo, the Brooklyn watering hole where playwright Robert Askins still tends bar.